These C-130J-30s are flown by 36th Airlift Squadron crews at Yokota, and the new aircraft recapitalize the unit’s older C-130H fleet. The C-130Js are used to support critical peacekeeping and contingency operations in the Western Pacific region, including cargo delivery, troop transport, airdrop and aeromedical missions. The 36th AS — known as the “Eagle Airlifters” — is one of several flying squadrons under the 374th Airlift Wing.

Lockheed Martin delivered nine C-130J-30s to Yokota, which is operating 14 Super Hercules in total. Yokota received its other C-130Js from other U.S. Air Force operators through a fleet rebalancing initiative.

The C-130J is defined by its versatility. To date, the C-130J supports 17 different mission configurations to include transport (military and commercial), firefighting, search and rescue, Special Operations, weather reconnaissance, and aerial refueling.

The U.S. government operates the largest C-130J Super Hercules fleet in the world. This delivery represents the U.S. government’s continued transition to the C-130J as the common platform across Air Mobility Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, Air Combat Command, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Marine Corps. The Air National Guard and Reserve still operate a mixed fleet of C-130J and legacy aircraft.